BCCI rejects HCA's appeal for changes to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 schedule

HCA had earlier asked BCCI for schedule change due to security concerns.

In a decisive turn of events, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made it clear that the schedule of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will remain untouched, rejecting the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s (HCA) request for changes. The cricketing world was eagerly awaiting the BCCI’s response following the HCA’s appeal to revise the schedule due to concerns raised by local law enforcement. However, the BCCI’s unwavering stance reveals its commitment to the already revised schedule, setting the tone for an inflexible approach.

The HCA’s request stemmed from concerns expressed by local police authorities regarding the availability of security personnel for consecutive match days. The HCA’s appeal gained prominence in recent days, prompting discussions between HCA officials and BCCI secretary Jay Shah.

‘No changes would be entertained’ BCCI secretary to HCA

During these discussions held in Delhi, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who was present at the Asia Cup team selection meeting, emphatically conveyed the board’s stance. According to an official BCCI source, “BCCI secretary Jay Shah held a meeting with HCA officials in Delhi after the Asia Cup team selection meeting, and the state unit was categorically told that no changes would be entertained after a revised schedule was issued on August 9.”

The statement underscores the authoritative stance taken by the BCCI in response to the HCA’s appeal. The fact that the meeting was held after the Asia Cup team selection meeting, for which Jay Shah serves as the convenor, emphasizes his pivotal role in communicating the organization’s decision.

The high-profile India vs Pakistan match, initially set for October 15, was rescheduled to October 14 due to Navratri’s festive garba nights in Gujarat, drawing large crowds. This adjustment prompted the ICC to revise the schedule further, moving Pakistan’s match against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad a day earlier from October 11 to 10. Additionally, Hyderabad will host the Netherlands‘ match against New Zealand on October 9.

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